“Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the leading cause of secondary nosocomial bloodstream infections; about 17% of hospital-acquired bacteremias are from a urinary source, with an associated mortality of approximately 10% (SOR B). An estimated 17%–69% of CAUTIs may be preventable with recommended infection control measures, which means that up to 380,000 infections and 9000 deaths per year related to CAUTI could be prevented.
In a systematic review published in 2010, the rate of CAUTIs was decreased by 52% with the use of a reminder or stop order (SOR B).
Longer durations of catheter use are associated with a higher risk of CAUTI.
CAUTI is not covered by Medicare unless it is present on admission, regardless of the duration of hospital stay.” The abfm.org